WHO classification: humedica as an emergency medical team
Humedica is one of the few German teams to have been classified as an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2018 - this recognition was renewed in 2024. This makes humedica one of the medical organizations that are officially requested by affected countries after disasters and coordinated by the WHO.
Our classification as an EMT type 1 fixed means
- Care in a mobile health center (comparable to a family doctor's practice)
- Treatment of mild to moderate illnesses and injuries
- Referral of serious cases to specialized partner teams
- Constant operational readiness and flexible team composition
Ready for action and self-sufficient
Every resource counts in a disaster area. Our teams are therefore completely self-sufficient for at least two weeks - with their own electricity, water and food supplies. This means that the existing infrastructure is reserved for the people affected and our aid does not put a strain on local resources.
We owe this high level of operational readiness to our experienced volunteers, proven processes and intensive training in accordance with WHO standards.
Our aim in the event of a disaster is to be able to help as many people as possible as well and as effectively as possible. This is only possible if the aid workers on the ground work hand in hand. The WHO's EMT process facilitates this cooperation and thus ensures more professional and therefore more effective aid.
Emergency aid worldwide – for over 45 years
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes: natural disasters and crises often hit people unprepared. humedica has been working around the world for over four decades to provide quick and effective help in acute emergency situations - with medical care, vital supplies and dedicated emergency teams. Many of these disaster relief missions result in long-term projects that prepare local people for future crises, strengthen healthcare provision or promote preventative measures. Two examples:
Frequently asked questions
An Emergency Medical Team (EMT) is a mobile medical team that works according to the international standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim is to provide rapid and coordinated medical assistance in the event of a disaster and to support local healthcare systems.
The EMT system ensures that aid is targeted, coordinated and needs-oriented. Only certified teams are granted access to particularly sensitive locations. They work closely with other EMTs and local authorities on the ground.
EMT type 1, such as humedica, provides outpatients with e.g. wound care and medication - comparable to a mobile GP practice. EMT type 2 also performs operations, EMT type 3 provides complex inpatient treatment - comparable to field hospitals.
Our emergency personnel undergo specialized training in accordance with WHO standards and are on call in the event of an emergency. The necessary equipment - from water filters to long-life food, medicines and tents to medical consumables - is purchased, regularly checked and kept ready for use in our central warehouse.
Well-coordinated aid saves lives. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, it became clear how quickly uncoordinated operations can lead to problems: Many aid organizations arrived at the same time, resources became scarce, aid did not reach everywhere. In response, the WHO developed the EMT system. Since then, certified teams such as humedica have been specifically requested by affected countries and coordinated by the WHO. This ensures that aid arrives where it is most urgently needed.
Your donation makes our operations possible. Volunteer specialists, partner companies and regular donors also help us to act quickly and effectively.
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